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Title: Perseverance of the Saints
Date: Oct 10, 2008
Topic(s): Other
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:24-28, James 1:12, 1 Peter 5:4, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

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Imagine how easy it would have been for this person to have given up: He failed in business in '31; he was defeated for the legislature in '32. His fiancée died in '35, and he had a nervous breakdown in '36. He was defeated for speaker in '38 and for election in '40. He was defeated for Congress in '43 and again in '48. He was also defeated for Senate in '50 and defeated for vice president in '56. In '58 he ran again for the Senate but was defeated. Perseverance finally paid off, however; and he was elected president in 1860. His name was Abraham Lincoln.

Perseverance is equally important in our spiritual lives. If we are to expect the maximum reward in heaven, we can't give up. Let's look at Paul's example.

What Does God Say?

Read 2 Corinthians 11:24-28. List at least five difficulties that Paul faced.

When we get to Paul's letters to Timothy, we find him nearing the end of his life. As Paul looks back over his life, he says:

"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:6-8, ESV).

li>How does Paul sum up his life?
• What was Paul looking forward to?
• Who else can share in this reward?

My Thoughts

The key to perseverance lies in looking forward to what is ahead. An old Scotsman, digging a drainage ditch in a boggy field, was met by a discouraged writer, Archibald Cronin. When Cronin told him he was ready to give up on his writing, the old Scotsman replied, "No doubt you're the one that's right, and I'm the one that's wrong. My father ditched this bog all his days and never made a pasture. But pasture or no pasture, I cannot help but dig. For my father knew, and I know, that if you only dig enough, a pasture can be made here." Cronin took the advice and went on to become a famous writer.

Keeping your eyes fixed on what lies ahead will help you through the difficulties of today. Paul experienced many trials and tribulations, but he was focused on the crown of righteousness that some day would be his. If you find yourself faltering in the face of hard times, remember to look ahead at what's waiting for you in heaven.

My Part

In addition to the crown of righteousness found in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, there are at least four other crowns mentioned in the New Testament. (See 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 1 Peter 5:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 and James 1:12.) Read these passages and list the crowns. Find (or draw) a picture of a crown. Post it where you will see it frequently and be reminded of what's waiting for those who persevere.

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